Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My passlock system has been malfunctioning for years now (2007-2015) and at random intervals, my car will not start and I have to wait 15 minutes before the engine will start. Sometimes the "security" light will turn on while I am operating the vehicle and after I have parked it, the security light will flash and I can't start the engine until after the 15 minute cycle has concluded. Not only has this issue been an inconvenience, but I have had occasions where it has put me in danger. I am not responsible for the passlock system failure, nor do I have the funds to repair or remove it. I believe that passlock was a faulty system from the beginning and the fact that it has not been recalled shocks me. I am very afraid that one day the passlock system malfunction will occur when the vehicle is in motion and that I will lose power steering, braking, and other vital operational functions. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact was concerned that the air bag would deploy. The vehicle was taken to coad Chevrolet in cape girardeau, missouri, [phone] to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) in approximately April of 2017. The dealer provided the contact with a two key ring holder. The vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure according to specifications on the letter originally received, which specified that an insert in the key slot was supposed to be provided. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Updated 8/28/18
My turning signals work on and off all of a sudden. The first time it happened I was on the freeway and was attempting to get over and my right turning signal wouldn't work but the left turning signal worked fine. Then after a day or two the right turning signal would work but then the left turning signal won't work. Then all of a sudden they would both work then both stop working. Now a month has passed and neither one of them work most the time, but will work for a hot second and then stop working. This is only for the rear turning signal though the front turning signal have always worked properly and still do.
Vehicle is in parked and im about to start the vehicle it seems to slowly fail or backfires during multiple times of trying. While in motion on the streets driving at 10-35 MPH or in motion on hwy 40-65 MPH the vehicle will shut off or sometimes it would loss power even if my foot is on the gas petal. On hwy this could cause a series accident
The service traction control light is on the dash panel and my car started to shake and pull to one side when the brakes were applied. The problem quickly grew into the cat constantly pulls to one side and the steering feels sloppy and loose if that makes sense. The traction control doesn't work but will randomly kick in while driving and the car instantly feels as if the brakes are being applied and grinder but the worse part is how the pulling to one side becomes a quick grab and jerk to one side and has nearly caused me several accidents and I cannot relax and drive. I am always tense and ready to fight to keep my car going straight and now with the bad michigan winter its impossible to drive on some days. I've been told that I need a new traction control pump which is going to cost around $2500 and up depending on what they find but will automatically start at $2500. …
I first started having this problem in October 2015. I purchased this vehicle in July 2015. I trusted this company because I seen they had great reviews. I actually trader my previous car in because it was having problems starting and also shutting off while driving. Now my current car is having probelms starting. I had my battery, alternator & starter checked, and it was good. The company I bought the car from provided warranty coverage on the vehicle. I took the car to get serviced in the beginning of October for an engine mount replacement. They replaced my engine mounts and fuel pump. 2 days after that service I started having issues starting the car. When you put the key in you usually hear beeping noise and I didn't. Than my battery light, ABS light, trac off light came on and stayed on and in the message center tracking system light came up. …
I have a 2003 Chevrolet Impala with a 3.8 liter v-6. The car radio quit working and I had to pull out the fuse because it was sending strange error messages to the body control module. Now the BCM is having even more problems. The car turned itself of then back on while I was driving down the road. I pulled over and shut the car off. Then it would not start again. I pulled the fuse for the BCM an the car started and I made it home. What in the world did general motors do to these cars. I have been reading numerous horror stories about their cars. Was there a recall to fix this problem or do I have to go to the dealer and spend a fortune to fix this garbage pretending to be a car. How can a car company get away with this poor quality control in this day and age? My security display now shows random errors like low fuel even after I filled up the tank. …
The traction control is constantly engaging even under ideal driving situations. It engages while driving and turning at slow speeds. Once engaged during pulling onto a road and due to holding car back (no traction) almost had a collision. Also when the brakes are applied a noise is heard and a slight push back of the brake pedal occurs. Noise is possibly from the ABS. Since the two (tc and ABS) are linked it could be disrupting one or the other. I have searched several forums and many consumers are complaining of the same problem. Many have tried several solutions, but the problem persists. Wrote a letter to GM about this problem. I am very concerned this is a safety issue and only a matter of time before a death occurs due to this issue. Also no known root cause or easy fix and cust have spent thousands to fix issue at dealer yet issue remains. …
The vehicle's traction control system malfunctions. From a stop position, the accelerator pedal is applied, the vehicle will surge forward, then temporarily lose momentum rendering the vehicle stationary. It occurs every time the vehicle is driven. Maintenance has been performed to the brakes and the hub assemblies have been replaced; the old parts are not available. After attempts to resolve the source of this problem, the issue remains unsolved and poses a severe safety issue. Due to this unsafe malfunction, there have been several near front, rear and side collisions while pulling into traffic.
Anti-locking braking system, traction control, and vsa light comes on under normal driving conditions. Anti-lock system engages and pulsates when the brakes are applied at various speeds and also the vehicle doesn't' accelerate if depressing the accelerator. This could or will cause a serious accident if the system is not fixed immediately. Suspect the wheel speed sensor which is built into the wheel hub. I am requesting this issue be repaired and the factory expense since this is a safety issue and a very well know documented case.
Traction Control complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, 4% of the model year's 695 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Impala traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Impala traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.